I LL INOIS STATE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

ISSUE #2 VOL LXVIII 2012 FALL/WINTER

Illinois reporter

the

President’s Letter

Nancy Gabl MSHR, RMA (AMT), CMA (AAMA), CPT (NPA), AHI (AMT)

PAGE 2

ISSAMT2012 OFF ICERS

PresidentNancy Gabl MHRM, RMA, AHI, CPT, CMA(630) 903-4910nancepa2b@sbcglobal.net

Vice-PresidentCarol Sieczynski, BBA, RMA (AMT)carol.sieczynski@advocatehealth.com

TreasurerElaine T. Miyamoto, RMA (AMT), CMA (AAMA), MScTRM, MS, RHIA(815) 258-0083emiyamoto@robertmorris.edu

SecretaryVeronda Spiller, RMAv.spiller_7@yahoo.com

Great Lakes District CouncillorClara Boykin, MT (AMT)(651) 644-3128claraboykin1023@msn.com

Judiciary CoucillorKimberly Cheuvront, Ph.DKCheuvront@FGHI.com

State Legislative ChairRon Rodrigo, MT (AMT)(773) 702-9052ron.rodrigo@uchospitals.edu

State Editor & National Publications ChairNancy Gabl MHRM, RMA, AHI, CPT, CMA(630) 903-4910nancepa2b@sbcglobal.net

2012 BOARD MEMBERS

The AMT 74th Educa-tional Program and Annual Meeting! What is all the excite-ment about? This is the 4th national meet-ing I have attended and I must say I am addicted. It is a whirl-wind of continuing

education, business meetings and parties, site seeing and traveling. And by the time the week is over, everyone there is exhausted!

So why do we all go? Because we realize that everyone at the convention gives back in some form or another. Whether it is just participating as an observer or giving a lecture. Some run for elected positions and others serve on committees. Attendance never stops once you feel the gratification of giving back to your career. Life is about balance. It is about give and take.

Before anyone attends for the first time they are ambivalent and they have lots of

excuses that include work will never let me off for a week, it’s too expensive, I do not know anyone there… the reasons for not going are endless. However, once they ask off for continuing education and they apply for possible awards and stipends, the next thing they know, they are on a plane and off to an educational and business vacation!

A first time attendee should sit back, enjoy and soak it all in! Watch as mem-bers, new and old, come together and celebrate with their AMT family. They wear nametags that are labeled with a ribbon “first time attendee” and they go to a welcome meeting. When the name tag is seen they are welcomed every-where they go! AMT members know that they all learn and grow from one another and that includes meeting and sharing with new friends that are also there from all over the United States, the Philippines and the Caribbean.

Continued on next page

Editor’s Note:As editor, I want to remind all of you to utilize this newsletter and the ISSAMT website for all information and communica-tion with your state and national society. As an organization we are always open to your comments and feedback. We also welcome any articles for submission. This is the state newsletter so having participation from others is essential to the continuation of an award winning newsletter.I want to thank everyone for their time and support in making this newsletter an up-to-date source for all of our members.Respectfully,Nancy GablISSAMT Editor

Josephine Harden, MT (AMT)(815) 874-5859

Norm Frankel PhD, MT (AMT) (847) 769-9615

Fran Floyd, MT (AMT) (630) 464-3026fffloyd@sbcglobal.net

Falguni Thakkar, MT (AMT) (224) 388-5727thakkarfalgu@yahoo.com

ISSUE #2 | VOL LXVIII2012 FALL/WINTER

A Note from our District CouncillorOur National Meeting in San Antonio was outstanding with great speakers, presenta-tions and fun. Very special thanks to Diane Powell for all her hard work with this meeting.

Congratulations to all the award winners in the Great Lakes Area. Keep up the hard work that you do for our organization and your State Societies. We appreciate all that you do.

I would also like to welcome the first-time attendees of the National Meeting and those who it had been a while since you had attended a National Meeting. We hope you caught the AMT fever and we will see you again in 2013. We want your experi-ence to be outstanding as we continue to work to improve our first time attendees’

experience. Those of you that were first timers please do not hesitate to contact me if there is a need for anything. We are excited to have you at our meeting.

Our National Meeting in 2013 will be in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 8-12, at the Omni William Penn Hotel, The meeting will be from Monday through Thursday. In 2014, the National Meeting will be in the Great Lakes District. The location has not been determined.

AMT is on the move with a lot of items online such as RMA practice exams and educational opportunities.

RMA week will be October 15-19, 2012. Let’s celebrate our RMA’s.

Please consider social media as a communication tool with your state societies. AMT is on facebook.

GREAT LAKES MEMBERS: Mark your calendars for October 4-5, 2013 for our Great Lakes Conference in Wisconsin. Check out the websites for more informa-tion to follow in the next few months.

Continue to support your State Officers.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. If you need me for anything, do not hesitate to contact me.

Clara Boykin, MTGreat Lakes District Councillor1023 Dayton AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55104Email: claraboykin1023@msn.comWork: (651) 999-4788 (Mon - Fri)Cell: (651) 247-3231Home: (651) 644-3128

Western District Councillor Clara Boykin, MT

Remember to check www.il-amt.org for the most current updates and scheduled events!

VISIT US ONLINE

President’s Letter (Cont.)also intended to allow those that attended to bask in the blissful memories of their excursion.

This issue is filled with pictures and explanations of exactly what goes on at the event and it is meant to entice you, the Illinois member of AMT, and take you on a journey of what it is like to be giving back and having fun at the national meeting. It is about participa-tion in the organization that YOU belong to! So… sit back, grab a cool drink and enjoy your AMT newsletter as you imag-ine yourself there next year! Let it not

only inform you but allure you to all the possibilities and opportunities that are available and waiting for you to enjoy!

I look forward to seeing everyone at are Fall meeting on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Central DuPage in Winfield, Illinois, from 1-3 PM . Our award winning District Councilor, Clara Boykin will be joining us. A light lunch will be provided, so an RSVP is appreci-ated at 630-903-4910.

Above all, they realize that by attending and participating they have reached a point in their career where they are giving back. They know they give back to their patients every day at work as well as their employer. They also know that they now give to themselves and fellow members when they participate with AMT both at the State and National level. They have learned that certifica-tion means keeping up with new trends in medicine with meeting and exceeding continuing education requirements in order to be the patient advocate they always wanted to be. It represents the commitment to serve others and be the best they can be in order to provide quality patient care!

This fall 2012 issue of The Illinois Reporter is designed to encourage and educate all of you that have not attended your first AMT national conference. It is

PAGE 3

Uniforms in the military are revered. In boot camp soldiers learn to make sure their uniforms are neat and clean and are worn proudly. There are literally thousands of uniform regulations listed in military hand-books and some include regulations on the grooming of hair and nails and how to wear specific awards. Military leaders expect their personnel to know and follow these guidelines which include proper uniform care and appearance. Respecting the uniform reflects discipline and adherence to high standards. These basic principles of professionalism are taught in basic training.

In today’s society it is important to be committed to excellence. One way to do that is by holding ourselves to high standards. We should present ourselves in a manner that is comparable to the military – we should wear our uniform with honor because in our vocation we also take care of others. In the military, our serviceman and women provide a service to our country by serving and protecting all of us in the United States. They risk their lives for us. We are proud of our military men and women and when they are seen in uniform we are impressed because they represent excellence.

fingernail lengths, are considerered partof the uniform code. Tattoos and body pierc-ings are unacceptable unless hidden from the public view. Having your uniform clean and wrinkle-free and our hair neatly

tied back with our nametag on and nails conservatively done is very important to meeting the needs of our patients and their families.

As we finish 2012 and look to 2013, let us all make an effort to wear our uniform proudly and to be focused on professionalism. We always need to be aware of our appearance and remember that when others see us in uniform, they have high expectations. Inappro-priate language and behavior, or setting a bad example by smoking while in uniform, also shows lack of respect to our profession and to the patients that we care for. They are relying on us to care for them in very difficult situations. To work in healthcare means

you care about others. It is not just a job but a calling to help those in need. Let us challenge one another to prescribe to a commitment of higher regard for one’s self and to a renewed higher expectation of our careers!

What is SO Important about a Uniform?By Nancy Gabl, MHRM,RMA(AMT),AHI(AMT),CPT(NPA),CMA(AAMA)

WHAT IS AMTrax? Is it a tracking device? Is it a type of train? Is it a robotic mouse?

No, it’s YOU!

Tracking your own CE’s on the AMT website is simple. Just keep your paperwork that shows you were at any CE event and then go onto the AMT website (www.americanmedtech.org),

sign click on AMTrax... enter your CEs and print them out as needed. Presto! (Please keep all documents in case of any auditing and you are all set to go).

Don’t have a computer? Don’t sweat! Just send your documentation to the AMT office and they will enter it for you.

When we are in our medical uniform people expect professionalism. When-ever we care for our patients, in any capacity, they look up to us as experts in

our field. They want to feel that a caring, empathetic, and well-educated individual is caring for them. Our professional uniform and appearance is the first indicator to them that they are in reliable hands. This is why the way we wear our hair, and even professional

PAGE 4

Mark Your Calendars!• ISSAMT Board Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Central DuPage Hospital, Women & Children’s Pavilion, 25 N. Winfield Rd., Winfield, Ill. All members are welcome to attend. The 2013 Calen-dar of Events will be discussed at this meeting so plan to attend!

• AMT’s 75th Annual Educational Program and National Meeting. Plan for this great networking event scheduled for July 8-12, 2013 at the the Omni William Penn Hotel, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Rooms are $119 per night and are good beginning July 2. Visit www.americanmedtech.org for additional details.

• Deadlines for submissions to The Illinois Reporter are April 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012.

ALERT!According to an alert put out by the Center for Disease Control published on July 13, 2012, “Transmission of life-threatening bacterial infections can occur when health-care personnel do not adhere to Standard Precautions and instead use medication in containers labeled as single-dose or single-use for more than one patient. Vials labeled by the manufacturer as ‘single dose’ or “single use” should only be used for a single patient. These medications typically lack antimicrobial preserva-tives and can become contaminated and serve as a source of infection when they are used inappropriately.”

This report summarizes the investigation of two outbreaks of invasive Staphylo-coccus aureus infection confirmed in 10 patients being treated for pain in outpa-tient clinics. In each outbreak, the use of single-dose or single-use vials (SDVs) for more than one patient was associated

with infection transmission. In both investigations, clinicians reported difficulty obtaining the medication type or vial size that best fit their procedural needs. These outbreaks are a reminder of the serious conse-quences that can result when SDVs are used for more than one patient. Clinician adherence to safe injection practices, particularly when appropriately sized SDVs are unavailable, is important to prevent infection transmission. If SDVs must be used for more than one patient, full adherence to U.S. Pharmaco-peia standards is critical to minimize the risks of multipatient use.

In an article titled, Single-Use Vials: Safety, Cost, and Availability, by, Laura

Laura A. Stokowski, RN, MS, from Medscape Infectionus Diseases, she states, “ Efficiency, time constraints,

conservation of resources,avoidance of waste, and cost consider-ations have all been cited to rationalize the misuse of single-dose vials.

Of significance, however, most healthcare profes-sionals who regularly use

single-use vials inappropriately don't fully realize how dangerous it is to do s o ” ( http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/768187).

For additional information please refer to the CDC, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2012 Jul 13;61(27):501-4.

PAGE 5

Choose an emergency contact person outside your area because it may be easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster. Take a minute now to call or e-mail an out-of-town friend or family member to ask him or her to be your family's designated contact in the event of an emergency. Be sure to share the contact's phone number with everyone in the family. During an emergency, you can call your contact who can share with other family members where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in contact with you. From 30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness. http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoAlertWeb/ready.jsp?content=30tips

Elaine Miyamoto, RMA (AMT), CMA (AAMA), MScTRM, MS, RHIA

How the Health Care Law is Making a Differ-ence for the People of Illinois

The new health care law has benefited a

lot of families in Illinois. It has made insur-ance companies more accountable, there-fore securing the health benefits of the insured.

The Affordable Care Act primarily prohib-its insurance companies from dropping coverage if the insured gets sick. It stops insurance companies from setting annual or lifetime limits that may lead to bank-ruptcy or prevent patients from receiving much needed treatment. Most importantly,

Legislative UpdateBy ISSAMT Legislative Chair Ron Rodrigo, MT

the law bans insurance companies from discriminating anyone with a pre-existing condition.

The health reform is also making a difference for the people of Illinois by providing new coverage options for young adults. Health plans now allow parents to keep their children under age 26 without job-based coverage on their family coverage. Seniors also receive discounts on their prescription drugs.

Preventive services such as mammo-grams, cancer screenings and colonosco-pies or the annual wellness visit are now covered by insurance companies with no deductibles or co-pay.

Finally, the Affordable Care Act also scrutinizes unreasonable premium increases by requiring insurance compa-nies to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise their rates by 10 percent or more.

The Affordable Care Act also increased the funding available to community health centers. Health centers in Illinois for example, have received $118.3 million to create new health centers in medically underserved areas.

Source:http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/il.html

PAGE 6

What’s coming? Don’t be an ostrich and bury your head in the sand. ICD-10 will be implemented on October 1, 2014.

ICD-10-CM is the 10th revision of the clinical modification

of the international statistical diagnostic and procedural medical classification of diseases and related health problems listed by the World Health Organization.

ICD-10-PCS is the inpatient hospital procedural coding system. ICD-10 is currently being used in about 110 coun-tries to report death statistics and track illnesses. It is time, right now, for all of us in the healthcare field to learn how to link illnesses, signs and symptoms, complaints, societal affects, external causes of injury or diseases with more than 68,000 available codes formed by using the patient’s history. We can no longer depend on the codes we memorized for ICD-9-CM.

Don’t turn your back on ICD-10 by relying on coders and insurance billers to do the bidding for ICD-10 coding. All healthcare providers should fully understand this revised coding nomenclature. We should also be proactive and establish that our healthcare healthcare provider’s office can accom-modate the new ICD-10 software and test the software’s interactivity with the current system. If upgrades are deemed necessary, EHR vendors should be contacted to discuss additional and/or upgrade of hardware and software to be incorporated into your current setting. No longer can we rely on someone else to show the way. We must be the troops that lead the way to be prepared for implemen-tation of this new taxonomy.

Table 1 (top) provides a comparison of the features of the ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagno-sis code sets. The additional characters in the ICD-10 procedure code set allows for

identifying the body system, root opera-tion, body part, approach, and device involved in the procedure. The code struc-ture in the Medical and Surgical section is shown in Table 2 (middle).

Table 3 (bottom) is an example of compar-ing ICD-9 to ICD-10.

It’s Coming!By Elaine T. Miyamoto, RMA (AMT), CMA (AAMA), MScTRM, MS, RHIA

Table 1

How can YOU prepare for the ICD-10 transition target date? ICD-10 classes are offered at educational facilities as a class-room course or as software-based online

training, and available training through association websites, such as the Ameri-can Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Don’t procrastinate. ICD-10 is NOT an easy coding system. Education is paramount. October 1, 2014 will be here sooner than you can imagine. "The best

way to get something done is to begin." ~Author Unknown

All tables from the AMA, http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/399/icd10--icd9-differences-fact-sheet.pdf

Table 2

Table 3

PAGE 7

By Elaine Miyamoto, RMAAll too often, not intending to, many of us put aside our quest for knowledge because of “time constraints” and replace that pursuit with mundane day-to-day activities. Before you know it, it becomes that time of the year to submit CEUs again. What better way to do a “twofer” (two-for-one), a vacation AND to revisit advancements in your trade while earning CEUs by attending the Annual AMT National Educational Program.

The 74th AMT Educational Program and Annual Meeting was held in San Antonio last year. The selections of sessions provided were especially noteworthy, appeal appealing to all attendees across the board. Clinically-minded attendees enjoyed sessions in Umbilical Cord Blood, ECG and its Use for Diagnosing Cardiac Conditions, and Saving the Diabetic Foot to just name a few. Global learning included Medical Errors in Health-care Settings, Dealing with Difficult People, and Stress Management in the Workplace. There were dozens of other sessions attend-ees selected from.

In addition to the educational programs, one can network with colleagues to discuss concerns and/or accomplishments. Attendees were also given the opportunity to meet and greet the AMT National Officers, Board of Directors, and District Councillors. How better to learn during the day and sight-see in the late afternoon and evening? As I alluded to earlier – a “twofer!” I assure you there will be topics you will enjoy learning. I highly recommend you consider attending the 75th AMT Educational Program in Pittsburgh in 2013. See you there!

By Josephine Hardin, MTOver the years I have attended numerous AMT Educational Program and Business Meetings. They all have provided great speakers that presented up-to-date develop-ments in medical technology.

This year’s program was no exception. A big thank you goes to the AMT staff for a fabulous setting and a well-organized event and thank you to Dr. Norman Frankel for donating to the Illinois State Society basket.

and togetherness of the Illinois members. Getting to know them, breaking bread, and enjoying all of them…Nancy, Josephine, Elaine, Carol, Dr. Denise Gray, RN, CPT and all others!

By Carol Sieczynski, RMA I first would like to thank AMT for the opportunity to serve as VP of Illinois as well as the opportunity to attend this year’s National Convention in San Antonio. We had a blast!!! On our first day I had the pleasure meeting some of the most interesting and knowledgeable individuals – which I was able to get to know better throughout the week. I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know those I serve next to throughout the year, yet this time I got to hear their stories! I was able to get a firm understanding of what led them to the medical field, as well as AMT. I feel honored to be learning from such great people and leaders.

I brought home a wealth of knowledge from the array of speaker’s I was able to witness! I have implemented much of what I have learned at both work and home. Being a delegate was an interesting and exciting experience. When voting was being done, I felt as if I had just joined the UN. It was interesting to see some of the techniques and traditions in action.

Throughout the convention there was so much I was able to participate in! I went to the newcomer’s lunch, breakfast of champion’s, welcome dinner, and awards dinner. All of these were great events with great food and some of the most welcoming people that I am so excited to see again! I do hope to see everyone there next year, as well as new faces.

By Nancy Gabl, RMA For the past four years ISSAMT has allowed me to travel to the National Convention and Business Meeting. I have had the pleasure of traveling to Minnesota, Miami, Las Vegas and San Antonio. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to not only learn and be a speaker on several occasions, but represent

Continued on Page 15

Delegate ReportsCongratulations to all the award winners especially our Illinois State Society President! Professor Nancy Gabl, who often goes above and beyond her duties as an AMT member, has won numerous awards including Distinguished Achieve-ment, Editor of the Year, and First Place Newsletter. She is also the National Publi-cations Committee Chair. Her publication board was beautifully decorated to show-case all the award winning publications nationally. Professor Gabl was also a panel presenter for the session titled, “What is Next in my Career and How Can I Get There?” The session provided various tips and techniques for job-interviewing and resume-writing. The session was very educational and entertaining.

I am anxiously looking forward to our next convention in Pittsburgh. As an AMT member I know this organization continu-ally strives to keep us, as healthcare professionals, in touch with up-to-date and cutting-edge technology and techniques to continue to improve our service to others.

By Dr. Norman Frankel, MTThe AMT 74th Educational Program and National Meeting July 8-13 in San Antonio was an outstanding event! The Hyatt Regency was great, including the food, service and the rooms were all top notch!

Now let’s get to the meat of the conven-tion! First of all, the AMT staff provided us with a set of quality seminars that captured the needs of all of us in terms of continuing education! I really enjoyed David Plaut’s seminar on kidney function and lab bio markers that give us some concepts that can diagnose and monitor diabetes. I also thought that the selection of topics for the general sessions was true reality! The committee meetings were well-attended and provided some new ideas for the next convention. The business meeting went well with good-natured competition in the election of the board members and AMTIE members.

Last but not least, the most enjoyable part of the whole program was the friendship

PAGE 8

This year‘s Illinois State Educational Seminar was held at Rush Copley Heart Institute in Aurora, Illinois in May. With a pack filled room we earned continuing education units on Cyber Bullying, Process Improvement, Physical Therapy, Obesity and Joint Replacements, and Allied Health Professionals in the Military.A big thank you goes to our speakers, Anthony N. Williams, P.A-C, Leslie Dockan, R.N., B.A., Tricia Mitch-ell, PhD, Detective Wistock, Sergeant Major (Retired)Jeffrey B. Lavender, MT.

The educational seminar was followed by our state business meeting where President Nancy Gabl received a recognition from Board Of Direc-tors and received an inscribed gavel for her work as Illinois State President.

At this time, Nominated Delegates were voted on and finalization of plans for the National Convention were discussed and voted on. All

The Illinois State Business Meeting and Educational Seminar was Called to Order!

members of the organization are welcome to attend all Business

Meetings. All meetings and events are posted on

the ISSAMT website under the calendar tab@ www.il-amt.org for the entire year in

November of the previous year, allowing members plenty of time to plan for time off at work and mark

their calendars in advance.

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

Convention Coverage...from San Antonio

The AMT meeting is designed to update and expand the practicing professional’s knowledge in the medical technology and medical assisting professions. It provides an organized learning experience that strengthens and increases the knowledge

and skills of clinical lab personnel andAMT members and also provides them with an opportunity to participate in the business meeting of AMT. This meeting also allows for members to meet other members in a professional and

74th Educational Program and National MeetingHeld in San Antonio, Texas

setting. A maximum of 25 Continuing education credits can be earned by attending the educational and scientific sessions.

Each chartered state society shall elect delegates to represent the state society at the Annual Business Meeting. A state society may fill its quota of delegates from qualified members and elected by the state membership.

The following members should be consid-ered for candidacy: • State President • State Officers • State Editor • Board members

Delegates should have attended at least one state society business meeting within the 12 months prior to the election of delegates. Delegates must be credentialed, attend meet the candidates and the Town Hall Meeting and the Resolutions Committee Meeting. Delegates must stay until the meeting is

Delegates to the Annual Meeting

Award Winners & Member RecognitionAMT offers its members many opportunities to be recognized for their hard work and to showcase with their professional achievement.

Each year, AMT recognizes individuals on a national level who have made a positive impact either for their own profession or for AMT. These awards are announced at the National Convention and the names are printed in an issue of AMT Events.

Awards for the National Meeting are nominated by all states, and the Board and Council members. The forms must be submitted by December 1st of each year and are found on the AMT website @www.americanmedtech.org with the criteria for each award listed.

This year’s awards for the state of Illinois went to: Gem Award - Dr. Norm Frankel, MT; Distinguished Achievement - Ron Rodrigo, MT; Second Place Newsletter - Nancy Gabl, RMA; and Illinois was awarded the Honor Roll Status for the 5th year in a row.

PAGE 11

Convention Coverage...from San Antonio

adjourned. Each delegate must submit a written report that must be submitted for publication. Delegates must also attend the District Meeting., and one delegate must attend the Publications committee meeting if the editor is absent. Meeting these guidelines are contingent upon receiving the any stipend or assistor fees.

PAGE 12

Diane Powel, CMP, Director of Meetings and Publications at American Medical Technologists, is a Certified Meeting Planner and the Director of Meetings and Publications with American Medical Technologists. She has a BA from Northeastern Illinois University where she majored in Elementary Education and minored in Fine Art. Diane is the true visionary and leader behind the scenes who makes our national convention the yearly success that it is. Every year I keep thinking it cannot be better than last year and then she out shines herself all over again.

At the convention in San Antonio I asked Diane if I could interview her for an article for The Illinois Reporter and she graciously accepted. Here are the answers to all the questions you have always wanted know about the convention but never had the chance to ask.

How long do prepare before each convention?It takes about a year to put together the convention, including rounding up speak-ers, putting together the schedule of events, arranging for social events, decor, music, photographer, and convention food and beverage, getting programs and other convention collateral formatted and printed, arranging for truck shipment of convention materials from AMT office

to convention hotel, fine-tuning the details of registration process with office

staff, etc.

How many years have you been doing this job? I have been a meeting planner for over 25years and with AMT since 1995.What is your dream location for a convention?I love hotels with a reputation of proac-tive, professional staff who want us to have a good meeting and work towards that end. That kind of teamwork and effort makes

my job easier because then I don’t have toconstantly chase down people and "put out fires," when I am onsite - an efficient hotel staff is at my ready to do that for me. I don't know that I have a dream location for a convention. I'm flexible as far as locations go and can usually find a suitable meeting property for AMT wherever the board chooses (I repeat, usually!).

How do you decide on each location (state and hotel)?AMT rotates its national meetingaround the five AMT districts, a different district each year. About two years out, I will recommend several cities in different states within that district to the board, based on my personal knowledge, online meeting resources, and information that comes across my desk every day. I keep in mind that AMT convention attendees are sometimes spending their vacation time and money at the convention so I will try to find cities that attendees might enjoy on their own even if they were not attending the convention. I also attend meeting planner networking events where I meet with many hotel contacts from al1 parts of the country. I make note of any place and property that I think would “fit” the AMT convention profile. I recommend cities and the AMT board chooses a few of those recommended cities for me to check on further and sometimes the board will suggest more options. I will then research suitable

hotels in those chosen cities and if I don't already personally know the hotels, I will do a site visit to check out both the city and hotels. I will then get proposals from the hotels to bring to the board for their review and final decision.

How do you decide your theme?We don't really do a theme for the whole convention program but I do try to add some inexpensive theme and giveaway items for the welcome party and/or awards banquet based on the region of the convention city. For instance, in Provi-dence, RI, the awards banquet had a lighthouse/seashore/seagulls theme. In Minneapolis, it was a northwoods theme. In Los Angeles, it was a Hollywood theme. In San Antonio, it was cowboys and cowboy boots. I think most attendees enjoy a bit of lightheartedness and whimsy during the week to balance out those serious educational sessions.

Continued on next page

Interview with Diane Powel, CMP, Director of Meetings & PublicationsBy Nancy Gabl, ISSAMT Editor

PAGE 13

How much does the hotel help you with preparation?Depends on the hotel. Usually, all a hotel will provide are the room setups (according to my instructions, i.e., the setup of the chairs, tables), AV equipment if I choose their in-house provider, food and beverage service. Sometimes a hotel will be associated with a DMC destination management company) whom I can contact for musicians, photographer, etc., a one-stop can-do-it-all company. My favor-ite arrangement is when the hotel will provide a dedicated "meeting concierge” staff member to whom I can go to with any "pop-up" dilemmas or situations.

For the behind-the-scenes preparation of the AMT registration desk, organization of convention materials, and social event decorating, etc. and all that stuff that seems effortless to outsiders, our excellent AMT convention staff on-site is the muscle behind that.

What do you like best about your job?I like seeing all the individual convention components come together at the end - the speaker program, meal planning, schedul-ing of events, establishing a relationship with the hotel convention services staff: etc. - making sure all the details are in place. It's fulfilling for me to see all of that

come together. Seeing the social event "theme" come together each year is also fun for me. I will have a "Eureka" moment and run it by one or two of our convention staff here in the office to get their opinions and then relish seeing those ideas come to fruition at the convention. I like the travel involved in my job, the scoping out of different cities that I've not been to before and the people I meet along the way. I like seeing some of my AMT "family" at the convention each year and getting those hugs.

What do you like least about your job?I'm not fond of auditing the humongous hotel bill after the convention. The bill is always an inch or two thick, 60-75 pages that I laboriously slog through with a fine-tooth comb for hours. Inevitably, there are errors and disputes that I then need to bring to the attention of the hotel to get resolved. Sometimes that's easy, sometimes not so much.

You are also in charge of publications, what does that job entail and does that ever interfere with trying to get ready for a convention?I am the editor of AMT Events (four issues/year), and the associate editor of

the Journal of Continuing Education Topics & Issues (three issues/year) (Dr. Gerard Boe is the editor of the CE joumal). For AMT Events, I sometimes solicit articles from different authors and soemtimes freelance authors have submit-ted articles for consideration. I gather and coordinate the copy/content for the differ-ent features and dcpartments in the maga-zines from different sources, and lay the magazine out with a desktop publishing program. The magazine materials then get sent electronicallyto the publisher of the magazine who who prints, stitches, and mails the magazine worldwide from a location in Little Rock, AR. For the CE journal, it's much the same process, although Dr. Boe is the final voice on the technical articles that are included and reviews the magazine before publication after I have put it together. Our education director also proofreads the technical articles for accuracy before publication.

Yes, my plate is full, but I love my job and would rather be too busy than not. Although I have to admit that sometimes the timing of the June issue of AMT Events clashes with convention deadlines and my stress level is a mite high at those times. But in the end, it all gets done.

Interview with Diane Powel (cont.)

A group of award winning ISSAMT members posed for a fun picture at the reception held on September 4, 2012 at President Nancy Gabl's home. This event allowed members to mingle and socialize in order to meet new graduates and members who are interested in becoming actively involved in their organization for 2012 and 2013. Good food, fun conversation and sharing of future plans was just part of the fun filled evening.

Pictured from left to right are: Stacy Torres, RMA, Fe Catague, RMA, Elaine Miyamota, RMA,, Jorge Belamna, RMA, Josephine Harden, MT , Mairead Mcglinchey, RMA and Nancy Gabl, RMA

PAGE 14

ISSAMT District Councillor Wins Becky AwardOur District Councilor, Clara Boykin, MT has been a member with AMT for 32 years. She lives in the state of Minnesota where she is currently their State Treasurer and has served in all capacities within the state at one time or another. She has been instru-mental in keeping the Minne-sota State Society together and running smoothly.

As District Councilor, Clara acts on behalf of the states in her district which includes Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and south Dakota (no state society) and North Dakota (no state society). The councillor, which includes the executive councilor and all the District Councilors, acts as a liaison

between the Board and the state societies of AMT, reporting to the Board of Direc-tors.

The Becky Award is based on the characteristics and involvement of Rebecca Moretz, MT of Boone North Carolina. To meet the criteria for this award you must be a current member of AMT and must of served a minimum of three years as a District Councilor or three years as a national Board member, a member with a long term current involvement in AMT (minimum of 15 years), must

have served at one time as an officer of their state society and must demonstrate continued involvement of the state level of AMT and demonstrated evidence of mentoring membership.

Besides being a leader for the Great Lakes District, Clara works for one of the largest HMOs in the Twin Cities and is a Generalist. Her job description consists of drawing blood, processing it and then also performing as a laboratory techni-cian. She is also serving on numerous commit-tees on her job as well as the Lab Collab-orative Meeting committees. This organization holds a yearly continuing education meeting that consists of 10-12 different lab professional groups that come together and provide CE’s. Clara has been with this organization since its inception.

The members of the state of Illinois congratulate Clara on her well-deserved Becky Award and wish her continued success with AMT and all her future endeavors.

ISSAMT wishes to acknowledge their gratitude to all the Medical Assistants who contribute to their profession by assisting your physician, your patients and families or by teaching other Medical Assistants. Regardless of what role you fill, you make a difference!

PAGE 15

On August 10, 2012, President Obama signed into law, “Honoring America’s Veteran’s and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act.” The bill was sponsored by House Veteran’s Affair’s Chairman, Jeff Miller (FL), authorizes the VA to provide hospital and medical care for certain illnesses and conditions that have affected our veterans and their family members that were stationed on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. (FRA.org)

This military base, in North Carolina, that housed thousands Marines and Navy personnel and their families, is the site of the largest water contamination in history due to over a million exposed to toxins from a potent cleaning solvent called trichloroethylene (TCE), as well as tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Fuel spills on the base also occurred numerous times over the years that contained benzene are also documented as draining into the drink-ing water wells and aquifer by the 1960s. Testing was done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1980 and it became evident that the water on some parts of the base, notably at Tarawa Terrance and Hadnot Point. (Magner 2012)

In the United States we have the freedom to publicly speak out when we do not agree with policies even in regards to the govern-

ment. This is what needed to be done for thousands of military personnel and their families who lived at the military base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from the 1950s through 1985. As the soldiers became sick themselves, or as they watched their loved ones die or fall ill, they fought for the truth.

The truth about contaminated drink-ing water and their life changing expo-sure to carcinogenic toxins that caused outbreaks of strange tumors, cancers and birth defects to themselves and their very own families, and even their unborn children. As hundreds and then thousands of unexplainable health issues, congenital defects and cancers started to surface, and after difficult investigations and lack of government transparency, it became evident that there were problems at Camp Lejeune, a problem that the government did not want to admit to, if at all possible. So it is these soldiers, who were trained to fight

in battle on enemy lines, who also faced combat of a different kind.

An exertion of strong will and survival and a fight for their lives ensued as they struggled with their illness, as well as their family members, and the bureaucratic policies that were re-evaluated and changed in order to help them survive and pull their lives back together. It is this tragic story that demonstrates

how victims can impact policy changes.

The law that was passed is just a start to help the military personnel and their families start to put their lives together however, they will continue the battle for justice. (http://www.tftptf.com/). To learn more about this tragic event please refer to the web site, The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten @ http://www.tftptf.com/

References:http://www.tftptf.com/www.fra.org

Military Base Camp Lejeune and Toxic Water

the state of Illinois as a delegate. The past two years we have continued to grow as an organization and this has allowed us to increase the number of delegates that we are allowed to send to the conference. This allows me to not only meet people at the conference, but to spend time getting to know my state members, officers and board members.

The best part of the trip is to spend special time with the other state delegates whom I have grown to admire and respect over the years. We share quality time together every year at the conference and having this oppor-tunity available to me and to all the members is something that I am truly grateful for. We

to keep us all in good spirits and appraised of all the inner workings of the organization was a special to all of us – especially after he won the “Gem Award” for his exceptional service to the organization!

The continuing education at the conference is always excellent but the opportunities to share with all the states and to travel with your AMT family is a great experience every year. Thank you to all of you for the opportu-nity and I look forward to hopefully travel-ing and sharing with new additional delegates next year as we continue to build on our active members in the state society. It certainly has been an honor and a privilege!

Delegate Reports (cont.)even spend time sightseeing, enjoying nice meals together, and most of all just laugh-ing and appreciating each other’s company.

All of our delegates contributed to a successful convention. This year it was Carol’s first time and it was nice to see her enjoy the meeting first hand. Josephine brought her famous Illinois state basket for raffle and it was exceptional this year! Elaine demonstrated her thirst for knowl-edge as she diligently made sure she earned as many CEs as possible and her photography expertise contributed to a well-photographed event. Norm also ran for national office this year and his ability

For additional Information:Contact AMT: 10700 West Higgins Road, Suite 150Rosemont, IL 60018Phone 847/823-5169 • Fax: 847/823-0458E-mail: mail@americanmedtech.org Website: www.americanmedtech.org

Omni William Penn Hotel

AMT 75th Educational Program & National Meeting • July 8–12, 2013

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

AMT Convention room rate:

$ 119.00 plus 14% taxes (rate valid from

July 2 to July 15, 2013)

Omni William Penn Hotel530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219Phone (412) 281-7100Website: http://www.omnihotels.com/

FindAHotel/PittsburghWilliamPenn.aspx

o know Pittsburgh, you have to see it for yourself. Come and see a city that has had a remarkable environmental renaissance, a top-10 city for certified green building space, a city ripe with natural and cultural amenities. • Pittsburgh International Airport is nation’s third largest airport.

• In a statement to the New York Times, Prince Phillip said that Pittsburgh is the only city he has ever seen that has an entrance. The first glimpse of the Golden Triangle upon exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel, on the way in from the airport, is absolutely incredible!

• There are 50 museums located in and around the Pittsburgh area.• Pittsburgh, the “City of Champions,” is a sports fan’s paradise with a new football

stadium and new baseball park.• Located just a short drive from Pittsburgh is one of the most famous private

homes ever built, Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.

FEATURES:• Downtown location – many restaurants and shopping within walking distance• Located just 18 miles from airport• Self parking $13.75 weekdays, $5.00 weekends• Directly across the street from the “T,” Pittsburgh’s free underground rail system• Each guestroom has coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board• When a guest joins the free Omni loyalty program, he/she will receive many

complimentary benefits during his/her stay, such as complimentary Wi-Fi service, morning beverage delivery, pressing of clothing items, bottled water, shoe shine, newspaper.• AMT attendees will receive 15% discount in all hotel restaurants.

Attend the ISSAMT Board Meeting on October 14th!

Upcoming Events

• October 14 - 2012 ISSAMT Board Meeting Held at Central DuPage Hospital from 1-3 p.m. Lunch is provided. RSVP at 630.903.4910. Special Guest is Clara Boykin!

• February 2013 Board MeetingDate and time to be announced. Watch the website calendar for more details. www.il-amt.org

• National Educational Seminar and Business Meeting Held in Pittsburgh, Pa. on July 8-12, 2013.

• September Board MeetingDate and time to be announced. See the ISSAMT website for details!

• Great Lakes District Convention - October 4 & 5, 2013Held in Middleton, Wisconsin, earn a total of 10 CEs and get to know all your district members!

The Illinois Reporter is

published bi-annually. Address

all communications to the

Editor, who reserves the right to

edit all material, if necessary.

Any article appearing in The

Illinois Reporter is to be

assumed as representing the

opinions of the author and is not

to be construed as reflecting to

the policy of the publication

unless the article is designated.

Publication deadlines for 2012

are April 1, 2012 for the spring

issue and September 1, 2012

for the fall issue.

ISSAMTNancy Gabl, Editor1768 Coach DriveNaperville, IL 60565

The Illinois Reporter Issue 2 Fall/Winter 2012